Best Wedding Photo Spots in Edinburgh

Why Location Matters for Your Edinburgh Wedding Photos

Edinburgh is one of the most photogenic cities in the world, offering a stunning blend of historic architecture, natural beauty, and urban charm. Choosing the right locations for your wedding photography can transform your photos from beautiful to absolutely breathtaking. As an Edinburgh wedding photographer with years of experience, I've compiled this guide to help you select the perfect spots for your big day.

1. Edinburgh Castle - The Iconic Backdrop

Best for: Dramatic, historic wedding photos

There's nothing quite like having Edinburgh Castle as the backdrop for your wedding photos. The castle's imposing silhouette creates a sense of grandeur and timeless elegance. The best spots include:

• Princes Street Gardens: Offers stunning views of the castle with beautiful seasonal flowers
• Johnston Terrace: Perfect for dramatic evening shots with the castle lit up
• The Esplanade: If you're getting married at the castle itself, the esplanade provides magnificent photo opportunities

Pro tip: Early morning or golden hour (just before sunset) provides the best natural lighting and fewer tourists in your shots.

2. Calton Hill - Panoramic City Views

Best for: Sunset photos and 360-degree Edinburgh views

Calton Hill is my personal favorite for couples who want dramatic, sweeping views of Edinburgh. The National Monument and Nelson's Monument create striking architectural elements, while the hill offers unparalleled views of Arthur's Seat, the Old Town, and the Firth of Forth.

The short walk up is manageable even in wedding attire, and the variety of backdrops means we can capture multiple looks in one location. Sunset sessions here are particularly magical, with the golden light bathing the city in warm tones.

3. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - Natural Beauty

Best for: Romantic, nature-filled wedding photography

The Royal Botanic Garden offers 70 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, making it perfect for couples who love nature. Highlights include:

• The Glasshouses: Victorian architecture with exotic plants
• The Rock Garden: Stunning in spring with colorful blooms
• The Chinese Hillside: Unique architectural features and peaceful atmosphere
• The Arboretum: Perfect for autumn wedding photos with golden leaves

4. Dean Village - Hidden Gem

Best for: Intimate, picturesque village scenes

Just a 10-minute walk from the city center, Dean Village feels like stepping into a fairy tale. This historic former milling village features charming stone buildings, the Water of Leith flowing through, and beautiful bridges. It's less crowded than other Edinburgh locations, making it perfect for couples who want something unique and romantic.

The cobblestone streets and historic architecture provide a timeless backdrop that works beautifully for both traditional and contemporary wedding photography styles.

5. Arthur's Seat - Adventure and Drama

Best for: Adventurous couples and dramatic landscapes

For couples who love the outdoors, Arthur's Seat offers spectacular photo opportunities. While the full climb might be challenging in wedding attire, there are several accessible viewpoints that provide stunning backdrops:

• Dunsapie Loch: Beautiful water reflections with Arthur's Seat in the background
• St. Margaret's Loch: Peaceful setting with ruins and wildlife
• Lower slopes: Dramatic landscapes without the full climb

6. The Grassmarket - Urban Character

Best for: Urban, edgy wedding photography

The Grassmarket combines historic charm with vibrant urban energy. The colorful buildings, cobbled streets, and views up to Edinburgh Castle create a unique atmosphere. Early morning sessions work best here to avoid crowds, and the area is particularly atmospheric in the evening with the street lights creating a romantic glow.

7. Craigmillar Castle - Off the Beaten Path

Best for: Exclusive, medieval atmosphere

Less touristy than Edinburgh Castle, Craigmillar Castle offers a more intimate setting with equally impressive medieval architecture. The ruins provide dramatic backdrops, and you'll often have the place almost to yourselves. The surrounding parkland also offers beautiful natural settings.

Planning Your Wedding Photography Timeline

When incorporating multiple locations into your wedding day, timing is crucial. Here's what I recommend:

• Allow 20-30 minutes per location including travel time
• Consider proximity to your ceremony and reception venues
• Check permit requirements - some locations require photography permits
• Have a backup plan for weather (Scotland's weather can be unpredictable!)
• Scout locations beforehand or trust your photographer's expertise

Best Times for Edinburgh Wedding Photography

Golden Hour: The hour before sunset provides the most flattering, warm light. In Edinburgh, this varies by season - summer offers longer daylight hours, while winter golden hour comes earlier.

Blue Hour: Just after sunset, the city lights create a magical atmosphere, especially around Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town.

Early Morning: Fewer tourists and soft morning light make this ideal for popular locations like Calton Hill or the Royal Mile.

Weather Considerations

Edinburgh weather can be unpredictable, but don't let that worry you! Some of my favorite wedding photos have been taken in misty, moody conditions that add atmosphere and drama. I always come prepared with:

• Clear umbrellas for rain (they look great in photos!)
• Backup indoor location suggestions
• Flexibility to adjust the timeline based on weather windows

Making the Most of Your Wedding Photography Locations

As your Edinburgh wedding photographer, I'll help you:

• Choose locations that match your style and vision
• Create an efficient timeline that doesn't eat into your celebration time
• Scout locations in advance to find the best angles and lighting
• Obtain any necessary permits or permissions
• Coordinate with your wedding planner and venue

Final Thoughts

Edinburgh offers an incredible variety of wedding photography locations, from historic landmarks to hidden natural gems. The key is choosing spots that reflect your personality as a couple and complement your wedding style. Whether you prefer grand, dramatic backdrops or intimate, romantic settings, Edinburgh has the perfect location for your special day.

Ready to plan your Edinburgh wedding photography? Get in touch to discuss your vision and book your date. I'd love to help you create stunning wedding photos at Edinburgh's most beautiful locations.